Waltham Parts interchangeability

[bchaps]

I have a beautiful 14k gold cased 11 jewel Waltham 1877. The upper pivots on the 3rd and 4th wheel are severely worn. Yeah, I know repivot them...I don't have time right now. Are pivot sizes different for the 15 j models as compared to the 11j. There are many Waltham 1877 parts watches on eBay, but I can't determine if they are 11 or 15j. Does it make a difference?

[Bryan Eyring]

Bill;
Pivot sizes for the train are typically the same for the 77's and the Waltham book does not show a different part number between grades. HOWEVER the 3rd and 4th wheels for the hunter cased movement and open faced movements are NOT interchangeable. To further confuse matters, it appears that they made this model in a quick train and a slow train...something I was not aware of. According to the book, the quick train will have a 4th wheel with 70 teeth and the slow with 63 teeth. The third wheel is standard between the two with 60 teeth. If you email me privately I have quite a few of these and can help you further identify your movement and hopefully get you what you need.

Regards,
Bryan

[graybear]

Hi, Bryan.
Sure, I have just got an 1877 I was thinking with problems, the balance wheel is REALLY slow ... but, nevertheless is keeping time in a very decent way for a 1878-built movement. I tried to measure the beat frequency counting beats (I do not have a comparator, unfortunately) ... I'd say around 10200 cph ... really slow ! serial is 1066743, 7j with steel balance wheel exported to UK. Do you kindly have some more details ?

[Bryan Eyring]

Graybear;

I believe they made the 77' model in slow (16400 BPH) and quick (18000 BPH) train. It is likely that with an uncompensated balance that you have a slow train, thus the apparent sluggishness of the balance. If you are beating around 10k there is something wrong and you should look into having the watch serviced. If you determine you need parts just let me know as I have gobs of these.

Regards,
Bryan

[graybear]

Graybear;

I believe they made the 77' model in slow (16400 BPH) and quick (18000 BPH) train. It is likely that with an uncompensated balance that you have a slow train, thus the apparent sluggishness of the balance. If you are beating around 10k there is something wrong and you should look into having the watch serviced. If you determine you need parts just let me know as I have gobs of these.

Regards,
Bryan

Bryan, sure I'll call on you, in case !

Anyhow, with this watch I agree with you, but the watch has a different mind, beats VEEEEERY slow and in 12 hours went ... 2 minutes faster, not a bad performance for a thing born in 1878 and just in from a long travel in parcel Post box. Those Walthams do are sturdy : I took it, put the key in, a few turns and it started up like a youngster.

Thanks a lot, Bryan